Hiii, I’ve got my first laparoscopy on the 9th January and I’m really nervous!!! It’s to diagnose whether I have endometriosis or not. I have a few questions and hoping people can help me 😊
1. what should I bring to the hospital with me?
2. what should I have at home after?
3. do you have to remove gel nails? My nail lady said that she knows people who have had surgery and did not need it removed.
4. any other tips!!!
Thank youuuuu 🤍🤍🤍
Hi!
1. Loose fitting clothing, a pillow for over your stomach in the car (this is a life saver), pads as you will bleed a little post surgery, entertainment - book, ipad etc, chargers
2. Premaking meals is definitely handy so you don’t have to worry, ginger biscuits are great to have on standby too in case of nausea
3. All hospitals I’ve been at say to have nothing on nails. This is so they can check your oxygen etc via your nail beds. Best to remove instead of risking a cancelled surgery.
Thank youuu 🤍
I had a laparoscopy on 14 December to confirm/remove endo, which they did.
I’d agree with everything mentioned in the previous response. I would also add being prepared for constipation post surgery. I didn’t go to the toilet for a week afterwards. They gave me lactualose but it did nothing. Ended up having to take Ducolax. I had bad cramping as a result which was quite scary. I’d recommend discussing this fully with your doctors before surgery so you have a plan for afterwards that suits you.
I also had all my questions noted on my phone so didn’t forget anything I want to ask due to nerves.
Re: gels - I wasn’t warned in advance and had mine on. The anaesthetist stalled momentarily when he noticed but luckily they carried on, so I would definitely remove.
Finally, I was quite dopey post surgery due to the general anaesthetic and recall little of what the doctor said to me about how the procedure went etc. so I’d recommend having someone with you when they have that conversation with you.
Wishing you all the best.
Thank youuu 🤍
hi Phoebe,
It is a bit nerve wracking, but honestly totally fine, I hope you get some answers!
I had laparoscopy on 3 December. I didn’t have any constipation, but eat a high fibre diet. I know that constipation can definitely be an issue after surgery, so you could increase your dietary fibre slowly from now up to your surgery - adding more lentils, beans, veggies and fruits to your diet. Slowly though.
Mint tea or mints can really help with the shoulder pain after - the Carbon dioxide they use in your stomach moves around after and you can get some pain for a few days after that the mint resolves and can help with bloating.
Batch cooking some food can be really helpful and cleaning the house before go in.
Good luck xx
Yes to removing nails. You don't want them to have to struggle to get a reading x
Bring a pillow in the car after to put between you and the seat belt. I took a toothbrush, face wash, my usual meds, slippers, dressing gown, pads, clothes for coming home (comfy joggers) and some tech to keep me occupied. Also some gluten free snacks. I was down as a likely day case but I had low blood pressure after and couldn’t stand, also couldn’t pass wind and urine for a while, so they kept me in so was really glad had bits for staying overnight. I found a v pillow or body pillow for supporting you upright when lying on sofa /in bed to start with and then for sleeping on side eventually (can put between legs and support your tummy). Using a cushion/pillow to support your tummy when coughing/laughing/ moving position helps.
Laxatives were a must for me I used some laxido and docusate stools softener daily and had some dulcolax just in case. I had rectovaginal endo removed and definitely helps with passing stool if very soft to start with post op. I found high fibre too much (and I normally eat vegan with lots of lentils, beans, fruit and veg) in terms of generating bloat etc so stuck to soluble fibre like oat porridge and adding some flaxseed to yogurt etc then drinking peppermint tea to help make the flaxseed soluble. Keep well hydrated.
Definitely second the batch cooking and cleaning of house beforehand. I also put everything I needed in easy reach so I wasn’t opening heavy cupboards/bending to open drawers etc especially as my other half had to travel with work after a couple of days. Simple things like having the toilet roll on the sink side in front rather than having to reach behind you!
I’m size 8 and bought size 12 knickers, and joggers without a strong elastic waist and reached above my belly button, which were much comfier to wear for first 3-4 weeks!
Remember healing will be at your own pace and depends how much work they need to do, and don’t try and do too much too soon. I was surprised at how bad my first period and first ovulation felt so just prepare yourself that may be the case as I was reassured once I knew that can be normal for 2-3 months for many.
Best of luck x
Thank you!! That is extremely helpful!!
This is the advice people gave me which I found useful. I used paracetamol and ibuprofen by the clock for first week. Peppermint tea for the lap gas pain. I was given strong pain relief but avoided it as I knew it would make my bowel worse!
I had surgery about a month ago, don’t be scared as it is for a good reason! (Although I know it’s hard to not be scared or nervous)
1.loose clothes, including big granny pants that won’t sit over your stitches or feel tight 😂 if I could go back and pack those I would! A dressing gown and slippers, I also took some face wipes, toothbrush, pads, headphones, phone charger, lip balm, a hairbrush and scrunchie. I was also told to bring a weeks supply of any medication I was taking
2. I would say lots or paracetamol and ibuprofen. Toilet paper, light snacks, a big water bottle so you don’t have to keep getting up to fill a glass with water. Lots of pillows so you are comfy in bed, I needed them as couldn’t lie down flat for a few days due to pain. I also had a mountain of loose fitting pyjamas so I was warm and comfy but could change in to clean ones daily
3. I was specifically told I was not allowed nail polish, I think it was because they keep having to put monitors on your fingers and the gel will stop it working properly - my hairdressers did have surgery where they did it on her toes as she didn’t want her nails removed 😂 but I would say remove gel nails if you can
4. Be prepared for shoulder pain after surgery, that was a shock for me - it can be caused by the gas they use during surgery. Ask for anti sickness medication if you feel like you might be queasy, I felt really sick on morphine so that was a huge help. Try and eat something, even if you don’t feel like it as it will really help and don’t be surprised if you are super dehydrated after surgery, I was like that and it did take me a while to go to the toilet. If you get put on any codeine type medication, ask for laxatives!! I wish someone had told me that as the constipation (tmi) was really not fun 🙈 you will be a bit dazed/tired after surgery so it’s good to have someone with you who can get all the important info for how the surgery went and also any pop op care info
Best of luck and I hope it goes well ❤️
First laparoscopy!
First laparoscopy 
First laparoscopy 
